Updates from the Courtroom: Tsarnaev Friend on Trial

Azamat Tazhayakov is accused of impeding the Boston Marathon bombing investigation. Tazhayakov and his roommate allegedly removed a backpack, fireworks, and a laptop from Tsarnaev’s UMass-Dartmouth dorm room just days after two bombs exploded at the finish line of the Boston Marathon.

The alleged crimes began three days after the bombing, on April 18, 2013, reports The Boston Globe. Tazhayakov faces obstruction of justice and conspiracy charges and has pleaded not guilty.

Related Link

Prosecutors and defense attorneys made opening statements in federal court this morning.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

The Associated Press reported that US Attorney Stephanie Siegmann “told the jury that a month before the bombings, Tsarnaev told Tazhayakov and another friend that ‘it was good to die’ a martyr because you would die ‘with a smile on your face and go straight to heaven.’” In the defense’s opening statement, Tazhayakov’s lawyer reportedly said his client “isn’t a terrorist and never intended to help bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev.”

Four witnesses also testified on the first day. Tazhayakov’s trial is expected to last approximately 3 weeks.

Here’s what was reported from the courtroom today:

Agent says azamat told of and understood his Miranda rights but defense will dispute . Court adjourned until tomorrow 9am